Dr. Nayeli Jimenez Cano

Biography

Nayeli Jimenez Cano is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at UC San Diego. Her research bridges archaeology, ecology, and conservation science, focusing on reconstructing socio-environmental interactions in the past and sustainable practices applicable to contemporary communities in coastal southeastern Mexico and Central America. She specializes in zooarchaeology and ichthyoarchaeology, applying innovative biomolecular methods such as Zooarchaeology Mass Spectrometry (ZooMS) and paleoproteomics to refine species identification and deepen the understanding of ancient subsistence practices and past biodiversity. Nayeli's work reveals how fishing practices, climate change, and cultural choices have co-shaped and sustained marine and freshwater ecosystems for millennia. Her research actively engages modern Maya fishing communities in Mexico, linking the archaeological record with local ecological knowledge and highlighting the role of heritage in climate adaptation and resilience. Nayeli contributes to the field of marine historical ecology by using archaeological evidence to establish conservation baselines that inform present-day fisheries management. She addresses questions related to animal resource exploitation in the past, including the management and use of animals for food and crafting, and the roles of exchange networks or rituals related to past exploitation and present-day practices. Her work focuses on the pre-Hispanic Maya region (Mexico and Guatemala) and includes archaeological biological research in Honduras, Spain, Wales, Scotland, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Vanuatu. Nayeli is committed to FAIR CARE practices in biomolecular archaeology and serves as a governing board member of the Oceans Past Initiative. She is enthusiastic about public outreach, actively working to engage communities to promote education and inclusivity in archaeological science. In her lab, she enjoys analog photography, visiting fish markets, museums, and exploring coastal landscapes with her dogs.

Research Interests